RICHMOND, Va. — The combination of cold weather, less sunlight, and post-holiday blues can take a toll on mental health. Research from Mental Health America shows about 5% of the American population experiences SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, but a new analysis found 1 in 3 Americans say they experience symptoms associated with the disorder or winter-related depression.
Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor with Thriveworks in Richmond, says they see a big rise in clients this time of year with the cold weather and lack of sunlight.
Statistics show women are more likely to experience seasonal depression than men, and some of those symptoms are characterized by low mood, low energy, feeling hopeless, not looking forward to anything, a loss of joy, or kind of feeling stagnant…